For expecting parents in Pennsylvania, choosing where to deliver their baby is one of the most important decisions they’ll make. The good news? Several hospitals across the Keystone State have earned national recognition for providing exceptional maternity care. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 hospital rankings offer a detailed look at which Pennsylvania facilities are excelling in crucial areas. The rankings also consider each hospital’s commitment to “birthing-friendly” practices and their efforts to track and improve care across different racial and ethnic groups—factors that are increasingly considered as families make their birth plans.
What makes a hospital “high performing”?
The U.S. News & World Report evaluation looks at several key factors that indicate quality maternal care. Hospitals are assessed on their C-section rates, how well they support breastfeeding, and their rates of complications in newborns. They’re also evaluated on whether they offer routine vaginal birth after cesarean delivery (VBAC) and their episiotomy rates—a surgical cut sometimes made during childbirth.
New to this year’s criteria is the requirement that hospitals meet federal standards for “birthing-friendly” practices. Additionally, facilities must demonstrate their commitment to health equity by tracking and reporting outcomes across different racial and ethnic groups.
AHN Jefferson Hospital: Five-star excellence in Pittsburgh’s South Hills
Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Jefferson Hospital brings high-quality maternity care to families in Jefferson Hills and the surrounding South Hills communities. Located at 565 Coal Valley Road, this general medical and surgical facility has earned U.S. News & World Report’s “High Performing” rating in maternity care, along with high-performance ratings in five other medical procedures and conditions.
AHN West Penn Hospital: A national leader in maternal care
AHN West Penn Hospital stands as a cornerstone of healthcare in Pittsburgh’s Bloomfield neighborhood at 4800 Friendship Avenue. The teaching facility has earned national distinction as one of the top 50 hospitals in the nation for Obstetrics & Gynecology. The hospital consistently receives high marks for patient satisfaction, earning four out of five stars for both overall hospital experience and doctor communication. West Penn also demonstrates a strong commitment to serving diverse communities, treating a higher percentage of non-white patients than the surrounding area average.
AHN Wexford Hospital: Modern care in Pittsburgh’s North Hills
AHN Wexford Hospital at 12351 Perry Highway serves Pittsburgh’s northern communities as one of the region’s newer healthcare facilities. This general medical and surgical facility has earned high-performing status for its maternity care, offering expectant parents access to experienced obstetricians who specialize in both routine and minimally invasive procedures. The hospital also provides 24/7 emergency services as part of its comprehensive care offerings.
Looking beyond the rankings
When choosing where to deliver, experts recommend considering several important factors alongside these rankings, which focus specifically on uncomplicated pregnancies. Distance from home, insurance coverage, and the level of NICU care available should all factor into the decision. Parents should also consider their desired birthing options and their doctor’s hospital affiliations. Most importantly, expecting parents should have detailed discussions with their healthcare providers about their specific needs and circumstances to help guide this crucial decision.
This story was generated in part by AI and edited by The Keystone staff.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
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